Tyson Fury was noticeably upset at ringside as Daniel Dubois’ powerful right hand ended his hopes of a high-stakes match with Anthony Joshua.
The eagerly awaited face-off between Fury and AJ was slated for next year, depending on Joshua’s win over Dubois at Wembley. However, ‘Dynamite’ Dubois had other ideas, knocking Joshua to the canvas three times before delivering the knockout punch in the fifth round.
Fury, from Morecambe, who had secured one of the best viewing spots, couldn’t hide his irritation when Joshua was knocked down for the final time. “That’s cost me £150million,” he fumed.
“The silly c***,” the Express quoted him as saying. Dubois’ surprising victory over Joshua has significantly changed the narrative in the heavyweight division.
A win for AJ would have likely paved the way for a blockbuster clash with Fury, with rumours of a two-fight deal potentially worth hundreds of millions.
But Joshua’s fourth career defeat has greatly reduced the allure of a future bout with the Gypsy King. Meanwhile, AJ’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, suggested at Wembley that prioritising a rematch with Dubois to seek revenge is now more urgent, according to the Express.
We have another contracted fight with Riyadh Season that could include the Daniel Dubois rematch. I think we need time. I don’t think [Joshua] could have boxed much worse tonight but you have to give Dubois plenty of credit.”
Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, praised Dubois’ performance, saying: “He was brilliant tonight. He put the pressure on. We knew he would be dangerous in the early part of the fight, and the start couldn’t have been worse. AJ will believe that he can box much better and beat him, but Dubois will be full of confidence.”
Hearn also hinted at a potential rematch between Joshua and Dubois, stating: “We will have to see what happens [when Fury and Usyk fight] on December 21, if Tyson Fury wins or loses. There’s no immediate rush but I know what AJ is like, and he would love to have another crack at him [Dubois].”